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The Coin
Collecting Dictionary
Welcome to the Coin Collecting Dictionary. Here you will find the
terms, definitions, etc. that are unique to our
beloved hobby. Simply click on the letter
below to bring you to all the terms and
definitions for that letter.
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F G
H I J K L
M N
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P Q R S
T U V
W X
Y Z
C
Cameo
Additional grading descriptor that describes the
reflective appearance of a coin. Often
used in grading Mint State Morgan Dollars
Carbon Spot
A carbon spot is a small spot of corrosion or
oxidation on a coin caused by a spot of
moisture. They are sometimes dark/black
spots
Cartwheel
Cartwheel is a slang term for a large American
silver dollar coin, usually a Morgan Dollar.
Cartwheel Effect
A term used to describe the dazzling, rotating
windmill like effect of light on a mint state
coin when held up to light at a certain angle.
Although the effect can be seen on most mint
state coins, it is best known for appearing on
Morgan Dollars. The cartwheel effect is caused
by flow lines that occur during the coin
striking process and will diminish as the coin
is circulated or if the coin is cleaned.
.
Cast Coins
Coins
that were made by pouring molten metal into a
mold rather than the method of striking design
on a piece of metal.
Certified Coin
A
coin that has been authenticated and graded by
an independent professional grading service.
The graded coin will be
slabbed, or encapsulated in a protective
container.
Cherry Picked or Cherry Picker
A
person who picks only the best coins out of a
hoard, accumulation or roll of coins. the
person will then generally keep the best and get
rid of the rest.
Chop Marks
Generally associated with the
Trade Dollar. A chop mark is the mark
left by a merchant after accepting a trade
dollar. It was an attempt to validate the
silver content of the coins
Clad
Used
to describe coins made from 1965 to present.
Prior to 1965, the dime, quarter and half dollar
were 90% silver. Beginning in 1965, these
coins were made from a copper-nickel alloy for
the outside. These were bonded to a copper
core.
Silver War Tokens
During the Civil War, coins were scarce, so
private individuals began making thier own
coins. They were similar in size and shape
to the existing coins of the time.
Corrosion
Term
used to describe rust or similar unsightly
damage on the surface of a coin. Sometimes
caused by a chemical reaction. Most
prevalent on 1943 steel cents. Also on
some coins will appear as a green substance,
mostly on copper coins.
PCGS Walking Liberty News
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